Indian Head Massage, as it is known now, has evolved from traditional ancient techniques that have been used in India for over a thousand years.
Traditionally, in India, massage has always been an important part of family life. It is customary for babies to be massaged every day from birth until they are 3 years old. From the age of 6 they can take an active part in sharing a massage with other family members.
The Indian Head Massage techniques have evolved from traditional rituals of Indian family grooming. Indian women have been taught by their mothers to massage different oils into their scalp in order to maintain their hair in a beautiful condition. Indian barbers have developed a stimulating and invigorating head massage to incorporate into their daily treatments and this skill has been passed down from barber father to barber son through hundreds of generations.
Although Indian Head massage has been in existence in India for many years, it has only recently started to gain popularity in the West.
The treatment - massage - is carried out to the upper back, across the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and face, with the client remaining fully clothed and seated on an ordinary 'everyday' chair. Some of the movements are slow and gentle, some more vigorous but never painful.
Indian Head Massage works on both a physical and psychological level.
It is renowned for relieving stress symptoms and it can also help with other problems.
Conditions affecting the head, neck and shoulders area, which may benefit from Indian Head Massage (many of them are stress-related!):
Improves blood circulation and lymph flow to the head, neck and shoulders
Reduces muscular tension
Decreases stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
Increases the oxygen supply to the brain
Stimulates the release of endorphins from the brain
Improves circulation to the scalp, skin and the hair
Relaxes and soothes eye muscles